July 25, 2010
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Hopeless
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This month the congressional
approval rating hit 11%, the lowest in over 40 years.
Americans are
extremely frustrated with professional politicians, unemployment, the
rising debt,
the growth of bureaucracy in government, and the erosion of personal
liberties.
There is a sense of hopelessness, even among Christians, that our
nation is
being lost. There is not a consensus that simply electing the other
party would
solve the problems. The complexity of issues and the absence of
leadership have
led to a very divisive public debate. Confidence in government is at a
new low.
It’s a perfect storm waiting for the Lord to show Himself through the
next
generation of Kings in the government mountain. The
reason for hope
– We are in a season of silence, and a
clear direction is not apparent. It can give rise to fear and anger. We
are
admonished to “give the reason for our hope.” The obvious first step is
to have
some hope! Anger should motivate to action. Who is going
to harm you
if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what
is
right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be
frightened." 15 But in your hearts
set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to
everyone who
asks you to give the
reason for the
hope that you have. But do this
with gentleness and respect… 1 Peter
3:13-16 NIV In
spite of conspiracy theories, doubts, and the fiery
darts of the enemy, believers can have an excellent basis for hope. At
the
highest level we win in the end, even if we lose a few battles along
the way.
The most obvious way to raise our level of hope is to have a sense of
what the
Lord is doing to build the Kingdom. That insight can move our hope to a
level
of faith that leads to action. The final cure for being hopeless is
having a
plan to solve the problem and getting to work on it. Pretty simple,
isn’t it?
Kings are being called to find those answers and take dominion over
problems
right now. Some are being called to fill the leadership gap in
government. It
is the glory of God to
conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. Prov
25:2 NIV Ask of me, and
I will make
the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. Ps
2:8 NIV The
political Christian
– Here is the genius of someone gifted
with wisdom for the government mountain. The real answer addresses the
concerns
of both sides. Debates usually characterize the opposition as at least
wrong,
and perhaps stupid or immoral for coming to the wrong conclusion.
Disagreement
can provoke fear in both sides that leads to hatred; we can quickly
replace the
spirit of love and wisdom that needs to be the trademark of Christ
followers.
Even people who are “wrong” have a higher value in the Kingdom than the
premise
of our political beliefs. If we “love” at the right level, there is no
fear in
losing a political debate. Jesus’ love is the foundation to find the
common
ground and resolve a problem. God is love.
Whoever lives
in love lives in God, and God in him. 17 In this way, love is made
complete
among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment,
because in
this world we are like him. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect
love
drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who
fears is
not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:16-18 NIV “Wisdom”
can find the value in both sides of an issue
and come up with an answer that addresses everyone’s concerns. I
honestly haven’t
heard too many of these lately. Godly wisdom with the real answer
causes
contention to bow and fills the atmosphere with peace and mutual
respect. What
are you “hearing”
– In the debate of any practical or
political issue, we are most interested in hearing God’s viewpoint as a
basis
for being hopeful. Kings realize that the Lord may only give the
general
direction, and leave it to us to provide the specifics. Kings do not
shy away
from searching the matter out and they are persistent enough to finish
a fight.
I wrote these four general items six months ago in The
Sky Is Not Falling, in an attempt to express the heart of
God. 1.
The
US has a
mission and prophetic call that the Lord is going to re-establish. Our
national
destiny is to lead the world out of the current recession and
demonstrate an
entrepreneurial spirit that will make every social, medical and
economical
problem "bow" before Jesus' majesty. By our example we are called to
lead other nations to be entrepreneurial, creative, industrious,
prosperous,
confident, and bold in the name of Jesus. 2.
A
level of
creativity and faith is coming into this nation that not only solves
medical
coverage, but we will find a way to "suddenly" pay off the national
debt and lead the world in even higher levels of generosity. Poverty
will
"bow" before the majesty of Jesus, and captives will be set free to
dance in the streets at the goodness of God. The lost will not only be
saved,
but their cultures will be transformed. 3.
The
church will
unite under a Kingly mandate to equip the saints for the work of
ministry in
the marketplace. The walls will come down and Kings will release a new
level of
creativity, innovation, and prosperity that will break the yoke off
millions.
Every mountain will be occupied. 4.
As
the light of God
grows brighter and brighter, the wheat and tares will be distinguished.
The
camp of the enemy will grow darker and weaker at the same time. We will
"succeed" in filling the earth with His Glory and establishing His
Kingdom... and then He will return to a spotless bride. PS - it won't
be
tomorrow! Progress?
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Since the above items were written, a government health care bill has
been
passed that is expensive and controversial and opposed by the majority
of
voters. It may even be repealed. My only point is that it is not a
perfect
solution. However, my hope is that, even if it is implemented, I
believe a “black
market” or “outside the network” approach to health care will surface
that is
affordable. My “hope” is not pinned to the passage or failure of a
bill. The
real solution will show itself. Regarding
the economy, we are still in a world-wide
recession. Although there is no evidence the stimulus made a real
difference,
unemployment is high and many are hurting, it appears we are turning a
corner
and the economy is improving. The US free market is leading the world
out of
the recession in spite of help from the government. Similarly, the
amazing role
of capitalism in China is sweeping
the nation toward a revival and new prosperity. Free people
are choosing
life in Christ. Regarding
terrorism, the war in Afghanistan and the
threats from Iran… Sue and I traveled to the Middle East in March. What
is
clear is that radicals exist in a small minority. The vast majority of
Muslims
aren’t interested in donning suicide vests to kill Jews and Americans.
Their hearts
are simply searching for the peace that passes understanding. God is
giving
them dreams, and doors are being opened in the spirit to touch the
Middle East.
It’s
an exciting time to be alive and see the glory of
God manifest in the earth. As one King in the host led by the King of
Kings, I’m
thrilled to be a part of building the Kingdom. Muslims skipping
services and
prayer led by authoritarian mullahs out of touch with the real world
remind me
very much of believers skipping church for many of the same reasons. We
are all
designed to love Jesus and we all get bored with the institution of
religion.
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